6 Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipes

Hearty, comforting, and packed with delicious fillings, these six stuffed cabbage roll recipes are perfect for family dinners and cozy homemade meals. From classic ground beef and rice rolls in rich tomato sauce to creamy chicken and shrimp variations, there is something for everyone!

1. Classic Ground Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls 🍅🥩

Tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional comfort food is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the cabbage core and place the whole cabbage in the boiling water for 5–8 minutes.
2. As the outer leaves soften, gently remove them with tongs. Continue until you have 12–14 large leaves. Trim the thick central ribs slightly so the leaves are easier to roll.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
4. Place approximately 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf.
5. Fold the sides inward and roll the leaf firmly around the filling.
6. In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, and optional sugar.
7. Spread a little sauce over the bottom of a large pot or baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
8. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, making sure they are mostly covered.
9. Cover and simmer gently on the stovetop for 60–75 minutes, or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 75–90 minutes, until the beef is thoroughly cooked and the cabbage is tender.
10. Spoon the rich tomato sauce over the rolls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Creamy Chicken and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls 🍗🥛

These tender cabbage rolls are filled with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and herbs, then served in a smooth, creamy sauce. They make a comforting alternative to traditional tomato-based cabbage rolls.

Ingredients

For the rolls:

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the creamy sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage leaves by boiling the cabbage for 5–8 minutes and removing the softened outer leaves. Trim the thick ribs.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooked rice, onion, garlic, grated carrot, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
4. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about one minute.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Add the cream, optional Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
7. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a deep baking dish.
8. Pour the creamy sauce over the rolls.
9. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes, or until the chicken filling reaches 165°F (74°C) in the center.
10. Let rest for five minutes, then serve with the creamy sauce and fresh dill.

3. Sweet and Savory Beef Cabbage Rolls 🍅🧄

These beef cabbage rolls are coated in a rich, slightly sweet tomato glaze. Garlic, paprika, and herbs give the filling a deep savory flavor, making this dish perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ¾ cup cooked rice
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

1. Blanch the cabbage in boiling water until the leaves soften. Remove 12–14 leaves and trim their thick ribs.
2. Mix the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
3. Divide the mixture among the cabbage leaves and roll each leaf securely.
4. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and oregano.
5. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish and arrange the rolls seam-side down.
7. Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls.
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 75–90 minutes.
9. Check that the filling is thoroughly cooked and the cabbage is tender.
10. Spoon the glossy sauce over the rolls and serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

4. Creamy Shrimp and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls 🍤🥬

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